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Are viruses alive or dead

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Anonymous

11y ago
Updated: 8/17/2019

Although they consist of the same types of DNA amd protein as living cells, viruses may be considered as different from living cells, for these reasons:

-- they don't use energy to grow or reproduce

-- they cannot reproduce on their own: they need a "host" cell that will turn their genetic material into more viruses

-- they don't eat or produce waste.

Viruses do not die as other organisms do, and can persist for very long periods in adverse conditions. The only ways to render them "dead" is to either remove their protein coatings, or to denature the molecules within them. This can sometimes be done by heat, and sometimes by using chemicals that nullify their genetic material's ability to reproduce. They cannot be starved or poisoned, as is done with bacteria.

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Wiki User

11y ago

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